Nick Humby will lead the Lawn Tennis Association during the void between Roger
Draper’s exit and the increasingly protracted arrival of his replacement as
chief executive, Telegraph Sport has learnt.

The recruitment process that is about to enter a fifth month could leave British tennis without a permanent head until at least December if the successor to Draper, who leaves at the end of next month, is required to work a three-month notice period in his or her existing job.

The LTA on Tuesday night denied that would result in a power vacuum, insisting it had anticipated a likely interim once Draper’s departure date became clear.

It said that was the reason behind Humby, the chief financial officer, being made acting chief operating officer in May, a move it did not make public at the time but divulged on Tuesday.

It said that decision had allowed Humby to work alongside Draper before assuming the latter’s responsibilities if required and then reverting to his previous position once the new chief executive took office.

That is unless he himself is handed the job, having been linked with the role along with fellow internal candidate Simon Long, the LTA commercial director.

The LTA refused to disclose on Tuesday how close it was to making an appointment, having been left floundering by the ousting of Sport England chief executive Jennie Price from the interview process almost two months ago.

Price had been seen as the clear favourite to succeed Draper for a ­second time, having also done so at Sport England when he left there for the LTA.

Whoever replaces Draper can forget about matching his £640,000 salary, while they will be under pressure to continue to exploit Andy Murray’s Wimbledon triumph to boost participation in the sport.